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Printer and Troubleshooting Overview 1-15
Troubleshooting Overview
Throughout the printer’s life problems occur, such as those indicated when an error code
displays on the operator panel, a printer produces poor quality prints, or the printer mal-
functions. Use the tools provided in this manual to diagnose and resolve printer problems.
These tools include:
• The Troubleshooting Analysis Guide, which contains troubleshooting procedures
called TAGs. TAG 001: Troubleshooting A Printer Problem provides an overview of
how to use TAGs.
• Cross reference tables, which link error codes, print quality problems, and mechanical
malfunctions to specific TAGs.
• Print quality samples, which you can use to identify a printing problem and its associ-
ated TAGs.
• Diagnostics, through which the printer checks itself for a range of problems.
The next several pages review troubleshooting basics and standard procedures followed in
every troubleshooting session, including:
• Identifying whether a problem belongs to the printer or host
• Isolating protocol converter problems
• Running test prints
• Reading the error log
• Confirming line power
• Using TAGs
• Power-On Reset
• Installing the interlock by-pass tool
• Checking continuity
• Producing a developed image
• Producing a toner patch
• Completing a service call
• Clearing the error log
General Troubleshooting Tips
When a printer problem arises, swapping out all printer supplies may temporarily mask
the problem. This is an unsatisfactory, short-term, and expensive solution to correcting the
problem. Dust and other contamination, rather than printer supplies, are more often the
causes of problems. Clean consumable connectors, alignment guides, and areas before
changing consumables.
Many failures add excess toner to the printer’s engine. When you are advised to de-tone
the printer as part of a problem fix, run at least 200 test prints before evaluating whether
the problem has been resolved.